In a tragic accident on Tuesday at Potrikrom in the Ashanti Region, an unfortunate collision involving an ambulance, a trailer, and a Ford Transit vehicle resulted in the loss of 16 lives. Emergency services rushed six survivors to St. Edward Catholic Hospital, where three have since been treated and discharged, while the remaining three were referred for specialized medical care.
Dr. Christopher Anane, the Medical Superintendent at the hospital, confirmed that the discharged patients showed positive responses to treatment. The other three survivors have been transferred to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and St. John of God Hospital in Aduankwanta for further assessment and care.
Among the six survivors is the ambulance driver, who, despite surviving, sustained a severe fracture and is now receiving orthopedic treatment at Aduankwanta. Dr. Anane noted that the condition of the injured is currently stable, and they are responding well to ongoing care.
Eyewitness accounts shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident. One resident, Opanin Kwaku Adu, reported seeing the ambulance traveling at high speed with its siren on, attempting to overtake a trailer when it collided head-on with the oncoming Ford Transit.
Authorities are investigating the precise causes of the crash, as the incident has sparked renewed debate about road safety, particularly concerning the behavior and operations of emergency vehicles during high-speed responses.
At the hospital’s mortuary, a somber scene unfolded as families gathered to identify their loved ones amidst overwhelming grief. This tragedy has once again highlighted urgent concerns about the need for improved road safety measures on Ghana’s highways.
As investigations continue, the community reflects on the need for stringent road safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
